Bulletin for October 26, 2008

Mary Jane healing of breast cancer, improved health for Jack, Nancy healing of breast cancer, recovery of sight for Sue, Dwight for full recovery from serious injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, Continued prayers for: John’s healing a better job for J. a couple going through difficulties, improved mental health for D, Susan, Mary Ann, Linda's upcoming biopsy 10/28, Margaret, CF, Helen, Lou, Ben, Mike Jr., Suzanne, B., Andrew, the Cuthbert family, A, St. Mary's God Squad retreat team, S. and W. Thanksgiving for: a safe trip, successful dental surgery, increased wellness for T. and many answered prayers.

Prayer Line: Tracy at 508.842.2279 or Susan at 508.934.0133 or susanbk@townisp.com

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL 5K ROAD RACE

THANK-YOU to all those parishioners who are making their pledges to St. Mary’s Capital Campaign this Fall. During the past four weeks we have received

• 60 new pledges
• Totaling $170,850

To date Our Enduring Covenant has received

• 435 pledges
• Totaling $3,166,534

We encourage parishioners who have not made their pledge to Our Enduring Covenant to please do so during the next few weeks. Soon we will be determining the scope of the building/renovation project which will begin in June of 2009. Our final plans for the first phase of the building/renovation project will be presented to the Shrewsbury Planning Board on Thursday, November 6 for their approval.

The plans submitted to the Town of Shrewsbury for approval at this time include:

• Air Conditioning for the Church
• Elevator to Church for improved accessibility
• Provide new restrooms on church and lower level
• New boilers
• Add new lighting and sound system
• Install sprinklers and fire alarms to code
• Two story 5,000 Square foot addition on the back of the church and hall that includes:
  • Lobby & Gathering space for church functions
  • Large meeting room for 60 – 125 people for parish meetings/events
  • New entrance and relocated school offices
• Media Center (library & computers)
• Additional Parking and necessary drainage underneath the parking lot – which will require moving the rectory and little brown house.

At this time it does not look like the State of Massachusetts will be providing the Town of Shrewsbury with the necessary funds to move these two houses. We had hoped to be able to donate the houses to the town for affordable housing rather than demolish them.

With the support of everyone in our parish we hope to begin this scope of work in June of 2009. At this time it does not appear that we will have enough money pledged to the campaign to increase the seating capacity in the church or build the four additional rooms off of the parish hall.

Please make your pledge today. Every gift is important.

	St. Mary Craft Fair 2008! (formerly Holly Fair) Save the Date! Saturday, December 6th, 9am - 6 pm Sunday, December 7th, 8am - 1 pm
PARISHIONERS Buy your Christmas greenery from us! Click here for an order form.	Fresh Wreaths, Door Swags, Local Crafters, Chris Cringles Kitchen and Bake Table, Snowman Corner Gifts, Pictures with St. Nicholas, Craft Raffle, and More! Applications are being accepted! Donations of Crafts to our Snowman Corner are gratefully accepted! Contact Lynne Grden at ldgrden@yahoo.com or 508.363.3636.	CRAFTERS Show your crafts at the fair! Click here for an application.

Shrewsbury Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccination Clinic

The Shrewsbury Board of Health will hold its annual Influenza and Pneumonia Clinic on Tuesday, October 28th from 9:00 am to noon in the Senior Center at 98 Maple Ave.

Anointing of the Sick at Special Mass
Saturday, November 1, 2008 - 12:00 Noon

Scripture is filled with examples of Jesus extending his healing to those suffering with physical, emotional or spiritual ailments, and he called his followers to do the same. Indeed, in the 5th chapter of The Letter of James, we also read of this concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick when St. James wrote, “Are any among you sick? They should call on the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick… …and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.”

St. Mary’s Parish will celebrate a special Mass for the Anointing of the Sick for all who seek healing, including but not limited to those acutely or chronically ill, facing surgery, or the frail elderly.

If you or a family member needs transportation to Mass on this day, please contact our Parish Nurse, Viola Jefferson, no later than October 27th at 508.925.7647.

ELECTION 2008 - FORMING CONSCIENCES FOR FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP

Is the Church telling me whom to vote for in the next election?

No, because that question involves all kinds of personal considerations that “take into account a candidate’s commitments, character, integrity, and ability to influence a given issue” that are best left to the individual voter (#37) besides, citizenship covers more than just voting. It includes campaigning for candidates for elective office as well as getting involved in ballot questions, entering government service itself, and otherwise working at the grassroots, regional and national levels to influence public policy. Rather than telling Catholics which candidates to support or oppose, the Church offers basic guidelines for making civic choices in and outside the voting booth consistent with moral principles.

Feast of All Souls
Mass of Remembrance & Breakfast
Saturday, November 8th • 8:30 a.m.

In November, we set aside time to remember our brothers and sisters who have been called home to Christ. A memorial book will be placed on the altar, and parishioners are invited to write the names of their loved ones in it so that we can remember them at Mass throughout the month.

On Saturday, November 8th, the parish will also celebrate a special Mass of Remembrance at 8:30 a.m. The names of parishioners who have died this past year will be read and a candle will be lit in their memory. The names and candles will remain on the altar throughout November.

Immediately following Mass, the parish will host a breakfast in the parish hall. All are invited. Please RSVP to the pastoral center at 508.845.6341 by Monday, November 3rd if you plan on attending the breakfast.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING DATE: Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 7:00 PM at St. Philips Church in Grafton Center. ALL catechists are required to participate in this training at least once.

The Anna Maria College Alumni Association presents its:
32ND ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

STEWARDSHIP AT ST. MARY’S PARISH

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?

• Stewardship is having the wisdom to understand that everything we have is a gift from God of which we are to be the absolute best caretakers.
• Stewardship is a way of life, honoring God in everything we do with all His gifts. Living life God-centered rather than self-centered.
• Stewardship is having the heart to give back out of love a portion of every gift that has been entrusted to us by God.
• Stewardship is living life with the understanding that someday God will ask each and every one of us what we did with all of His varied gifts.
• Stewardship is a life long journey that brings us ever closer Jesus Christ; following the path he so perfectly laid out for us through his life example.

Our parish is on a faith journey to make stewardship a way of life. We invite you to join with us on our journey. It will change your life forever.

STEWARDS ARE GOD’S SHINING STARS
Stars of Saint Mary’s lighting our world

SHINING STARS is an opportunity for parishioners to recognize other parishioners for their stewardship actions and deeds. It is a way to say “thanks” or acknowledge a parish member for living the life of stewardship. Thank–you to those who have already submitted the name of a “shining star” at St. Mary’s. Today we begin to acknowledge these good stewards.

Reach Out! Presentation Series

The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury will host Stephanie Cotton-Snell, Founder of Girl Talk Theatre on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at 7:30 PM at the church, located on the Common in Shrewsbury Center, as part of the Reach Out! presentation series.

Ms. Cotton-Snell will share her story about Girl Talk Theatre, a program she founded, that offers classes at various shelters and centers in the Boston area that serve poor, homeless, and marginalized women. Light refreshments will be served. The presentation is free and open to all. Contact: Bonnie Gibbs at 508.853.7675 or begibbs@townisp.com

St. Mary Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The meeting took place in Mary’s Room – O’Connell Pastoral Center. Much of the evening was spent discussing the U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral letter on Evangelization, which all Council members received last month –Go and Make Disciples – A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States.

The Council will focus on evangelization for the year 2008 – 2009, being mindful of the words: “Preach the gospel always, if necessary – use words.”

• Ministry Weekend is October 25 – 26. The people of St. Mary’s are quite active and this will be a great time to witness all that takes place in and outside the parish.
• Mass of Remembrance – November 8, 2008. All are invited to attend this special Liturgy in memory of those who have died during the last year.
• Capital Campaign – Thank you to all those who have so generously given to the future of our Parish. We are all part of the St. Mary’s family who look forward to continuing our work in the name of the Lord.

We ended our meeting wishing Fr. Mike good luck with the “Golden Sneaker” award, to be given to the pastor who collects the most donations at the Crop Walk on Sunday, October 19, 2008.

The next meeting will take place, Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Breast Cancer Diaries
Broadcast journalist & writer with local roots shares her journey to survive

Ann Murray Paige grew up in Shrewsbury, attending St. Mary’s school, and like so many others, expected to live a “normal” life. But suddenly, 4 years ago, this 38 year old wife and mother faced the biggest challenge of her life – breast cancer. Daughter of Mary Jane and Dave Murray, of our parish, Ann documented her battle on camera as a way to focus her energy and hopefully beat the disease. The Breast Cancer Diaries, will air this month on the Discovery Health Channel – Shrewsbury Cable Digital Channel 208 - on Thursday, October 30, at 8:00 and 11:00 PM.

Ann is also being profiled in the October, 2008 edition of Prevention Magazine (click here). Learn more about Ann and the documentary online at www.thebreastcancerdiaries.com

Copyright © 2008, St. Mary's Parish, Shrewsbury MA.
This page last updated on 8/29/2009.